Until relatively recently, these threats acted at a gradual
rate on a steadily diminishing stock of Soga. Within the last
thirty years however, this gradual swamp habitat destruction
and modification has been replaced by dramatic new
threats in the form of (i) large scale coastal drainage
schemes (Wainikalou and Toquru), (ii) new residential and agricultural subdivisions (Pacific Harbour), (iii) the growth
of a non-traditional ‘palm-heart’ trade; and (iv) the introduction
of unsustainable leaf harvesting for thatching
brought about by demand from the tourism industry
(NFMV 2008a).